One-Pot Synthesis of 1,2-Disubstituted 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-Azaindoles from Amino-o-halopyridines via N-Arylation/Sonogashira/Cyclization Reaction.

A direct synthesis of several 1,2-disubstituted 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-azaindoles from available amino-o-halopyridines is described. This procedure involves a palladium-catalyzed N-arylation followed by a Sonogashira reaction and subsequent cyclization in a one-pot manner, exhibiting a wide scope and compatibility with electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups. The strategy represents an advancement in azaindole chemistry with a straightforward approach toward 1,2-disubstituted azaindoles, while avoiding complex N-arylations of hindered 2-substituted azaindoles and difficult purification steps of intermediates.